Junko is a common Japanese feminine given name. Its meaning depends on the kanji characters used to write it. Common meanings from kanji combinations include "pure child" (純子) with jun meaning "pure" and ko meaning "child"; or "obedient child" (順子) with jun meaning "obedience, order" and the same ko element. Other variations include 淳子 (also "pure child"), 潤子 ("rich child"), and 準子 ("conforming child"). The name can also be written in hiragana (じゅんこ) or katakana (ジュンコ). Notable Bearers Several notable Japanese women bear the name Junko. Junko Tabei (田部井 淳子, 1939–2016) was a mountaineer who became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1975. Junko Asahina (朝比奈 順子, 1953–2021) was a well-known actress. Junko Asari (浅利 純子), born 1969, is a retired marathon runner who won multiple marathons. Junko Chodos (born 1939) is a Japanese-American contemporary artist. The tragic murder of Junko Furuta (1971–1989) became notorious in Japan. Meaning: pure child, obedient child, or other meanings depending on kanji Origin: Japanese Type: feminine given name Usage regions: Japan Variants: diverse kanji combinations with differing nuances